Subatmospheric pressure mechanism for wound therapy system and related methods therefor

ABSTRACT

A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound is provided. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canister includes a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluid inlet port and a vacuum port. The fluid inlet port is configured for fluid communication with a wound dressing. The system further includes a cover selectively engageable to the base, e.g., in a snap-fit manner. The cover is configured to receive a control unit and has a vent assembly for exhausting the control unit. A seal member is interposed relative to the base and the cover to establish and maintain a substantial sealed relationship between the two components when assembled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/186,599, filed Jul. 20, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/175,038, filed on Jul. 17, 2008, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,007,481 on Aug. 30, 2011. The disclosures of these prior applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to treating an open wound, and, more specifically, relates to a wound therapy system including an improved subatmospheric pressure mechanism.

Description of the Related Art

Wound closure involves the migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissue adjacent the wound towards the center and away from the base of the wound until the wound closes. Unfortunately, closure is difficult with large wounds, chronic wounds or wounds that have become infected. In such wounds, a zone of stasis (i.e., an area in which localized swelling of tissue restricts the flow of blood to the tissues) forms near the surface of the wound. Without sufficient blood flow, the epithelial and subcutaneous tissues surrounding the wound not only receive diminished oxygen and nutrients, but, are also less able to successfully fight microbial infection and, thus, are less able to close the wound naturally. Such wounds have presented difficulties to medical personnel for many years.

Negative pressure therapy also known as suction or vacuum therapy has been used in treating and healing wounds. Application of negative pressure, e.g. reduced or subatmospheric pressure, to a localized reservoir over a wound has been found to assist in closing the wound by promoting blood flow to the area, stimulating the formation of granulation tissue, and encouraging the migration of healthy tissue over the wound. Negative pressure may also inhibit bacterial growth by drawing fluids from the wound such as exudates, which may tend to harbor bacteria. This technique has proven particularly effective for chronic or healing-resistant wounds, and is also used for other purposes such as post-operative wound care.

Generally, negative pressure therapy provides for a wound to be covered to facilitate suction at the wound area. A conduit is introduced through the wound covering to provide fluid communication to an external vacuum source. Atmospheric gas, wound exudates, or other fluids may thus be drawn from the wound area through the fluid conduit to stimulate healing of the wound. Exudates drawn from the wound area may be deposited in a collection canister or container.

Subatmospheric pressure mechanisms used in wound therapy systems may include a cavity or chamber for receiving the removed exudates, a vacuum source, and a power source. The pressure mechanisms are configured to provide the suction that draws exudates from the wound. Unfortunately, conventional subatmospheric pressure mechanisms have a tendency to develop leaks. Leaks may reduce the efficiency of the system and/or create odor and wetness issues.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to an improved subatmospheric pressure mechanism. A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound is provided. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canister may include a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluid inlet port and a vacuum port. The fluid inlet port is configured for fluid communication with a wound dressing. A cover is selectively engageable to the base, e.g., in a snap-fit manner. The cover accommodates a control unit and a vent assembly for exhausting the control unit. A seal member is interposed relative to the base and the cover and is adapted to establish and maintain a sealed relationship between these components. At least one of the fluid inlet port and the vacuum port may be configured to receive a cap.

The control unit of the system may include a vacuum source and/or a power source. The vacuum port may also include a hydrophobic membrane. The vent assembly may be recessed relative to the base or cover. The system may further include a divider having a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed on an underside thereof. The divider may further include a channel fluidly communicating the plurality of longitudinal grooves with at least one of the fluid inlet port and the vacuum port. The control unit may be directly connected to the vent assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with a general description of the disclosure given above, and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view of a wound therapy system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism of the wound therapy system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional side view of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism of FIG. 2, illustrating the housing cover separated from the housing base;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the vent assembly of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged plan view of the vent assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the vent assembly of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged front view of the vent assembly of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another subatmospheric pressure mechanism of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the divider of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is cross-sectional end view of the divider of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9; and;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the divider of FIG. 8 taken along line 10-10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following figures illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and are referenced to describe the embodiments depicted therein. Hereinafter, the disclosure will be described by explaining the figures wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a wound therapy system of the present disclosure is shown generally as wound therapy system 100. Wound therapy system 100 includes composite wound dressing 102 and subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 in fluid communication with the wound dressing 102 through a conduit, identified schematically as reference character “c”. For a more detailed description of wound dressing 102, including the composition and operation thereof, please refer to commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/047910, filed Mar. 13, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-3, subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 will be described in detail. Subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 may be a portable canister adapted to be worn or carried by the subject via a strap, belt, or the like. In the alternative, pressure mechanism 104 may be a component of a non-ambulatory system. Subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 includes housing base 110 and housing cover 120 selectively attachable to housing base 110. Housing base 110 and/or housing cover 120 may be fabricated from substantially rigid material, or in the alternative, include a relatively flexible material. Housing base 110 defines a first cavity 111 for receiving fluid, e.g. exudates “E” from wound dressing 102 (FIG. 1). Housing cover 120 defines a second cavity 121 to accommodate, e.g., a control unit for controlling operation of system 100. The control unit may consist of vacuum source 5 150, power source 160, and logic software and/or processing means for controlling operation of vacuum source 150 based on various parameters and/or in connection with a treatment regimen.

Housing base 110 and housing cover 120 may be adapted for releasable coupling. In one embodiment, housing base 110 includes flange 112 and notch or recess 114. Flange 112 is configured to engage lip 122 formed in housing cover 120. Notch 114 is configured to selectively receive a tab 126 of an extension 124 of housing cover 120. Housing base 110 further includes a fluid inlet 116 and a suction port 118. Fluid inlet 116 is configured to operably engage conduit “c” and may include a luer lock 112 a. Inlet 116 is preferably configured to receive cap 116 a for preventing leakage of exudates “E” and odor from first cavity 111 when housing cover 120 is separated from housing base 110. Suction port 118 is configured to operably engage vacuum source 150. Suction port 118 may include a hydrophobic membrane or filter 115 for preventing exudates “E” from being aspirated into vacuum source 150. Suction port 118 may also be configured to receive cap 118 a to prevent fluid leakage during disposal of housing base 110.

With reference still to FIGS. 2 and 3, housing cover 120 is configured for releasable engagement with housing base 110 and includes second cavity 121 for receiving vacuum source 150 and power source 160. Vacuum source 150 and/or power source 160 may be maintained with housing cover 120 with rubber mounts (not shown) for reducing vibration within housing cover 120. Housing cover 120 may be constructed of and/or include STYROFOAM® or other sound dampening material. Housing cover 120 may include an overlay, having lights and/or buttons (not shown) for monitoring and controlling the operation of subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104. Housing cover 120 includes lip 122 configured to engage flange 112 of housing base 110. An extension 124 extends from housing cover 120 opposite lip 122 and is configured for operable engagement by a user. Extension 124 includes tab 126 configured to engage notch 114 formed in housing base 110. Extension 124 is configured to flex such that tab 126 may be selectively received within notch 114, thereby, releasably securing housing cover 120 to housing base 110. This snap-fit configuration may produce an audible sound when tab 126 is received within notch 114, thereby, notifying the user that housing cover 120 and housing base 110 are securely joined together.

Seal member 128 extends about housing cover 120 to form a seal between housing cover 120 and housing base 110 when housing cover 120 is selectively secured to housing base 110. Seal member 128 may be secured to housing cover 120 in any manner, including mechanical fastening, welding, and adhesive. Alternatively, seal member 128 may extend about housing base 110 to form a seal between housing base 110 and housing cover 120. In an alternative embodiment, seal member 128 may include two or more seal elements (not shown). Seal member 128 establishes and maintains a sealed relationship between cover 120 and housing base 110 when the components are assembled thereby preserving the integrity of the second cavity 121 within cover 120.

Housing cover 120 further includes vent assembly 130 configured to vent exhaust air from vacuum source 150 through exhaust port 130 a. Turning initially to FIGS. 4A and 4B, vent assembly 130 extends from housing cover 120 and is directly connected to vacuum source 150 (FIG. 1) via tube 131. Vent assembly 130 includes filter 132 extending across exhaust port 130 a and split ring 136 for retaining filter 132 over exhaust port 130 a. Vent assembly 130 includes groove 134 formed about exhaust port 130 a adapted to receive split ring 136. Filter 132 is sized and dimension such that an outer portion of filter 132 folds into groove 134 and is retained therein by split ring 136. Filter 132 may be hydrophobic in nature and/or may include charcoal or other odor absorbing material, and may prevent the passage of bacteria. Split ring 136 may be formed of plastic, metal or other suitable material. Split ring 136 may include openings 136 a configured to receive a tool for removing split ring 136 from within groove 134. In this manner, filter 132 may be changed as necessary.

Turning now to FIGS. 5A and 58, in an alternative embodiment, vent assembly 130′ may be recessed in housing cover 120. Additionally, vent assembly 130′ may vent exhaust air from within second cavity 121 rather than directly from vacuum source 150 via tube 131. In this manner, heat may be dissipated from within second cavity 121 in addition to the venting of exhaust from vacuum source 150. This configuration also provides a positive pressure on filter 132. Filter 132 is again retained within a groove 134′ formed in housing 120 by split ring 136.

In operation, subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 is adapted to draw exudates from wound dressing 102 via conduit “c”. Initially, housing cover 120 is selectively secured to housing base 110. To secure housing cover 120 to housing base 110, lip 122 of housing cover 120 is first received within flange 112 of housing base 110. Housing cover 120 is then pivoted about flange 112 such that extension 124 received over housing base 110. Housing cover 120 is pivoted until tab 126 of extension 124 is received within notch 114. Subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 may be configured such that receipt of tab 126 within notch 114 causes an audible sound, thereby confirming to a user that housing cover 120 has been securely received on housing base 110. Once subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 is assembled, conduit “c” may be fluidly coupled to fluid inlet 116 and the control unit (not shown) may be activated. Activation of vacuum source 150 creates suction within first cavity 111 that draws exudates from wound dressing 102 through conduit “c”. Exudates “E” collect in first cavity 111 of housing base 110. Exhaust from vacuum source 150 is vented either directly or indirectly through vent assembly 130, 130′, respectively. Heat may also be dissipated through vent assembly 130′.

Upon filling of first cavity 111, completion of treatment or other any other reason, subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 may be deactivated and exudates “E” may be properly disposed. To disengage housing cover 120 from housing base 110, extension 124 of housing cover 120 is flexed away from housing base 110. In this manner, tab 126 on extension 124 is withdrawn from engagement with notch 114 formed in housing base 120. Housing cover 120 may be pivoted away from housing base 110 until lip 122 of housing cover 120 disengages flange 112 of housing base 110. Once housing cover 120 is separated from housing base 110, exudates “E” may be disposed. Exudates “E” may be emptied from first cavity 111, or alternatively, housing base 110 may be disposed of in its entirety. In the event housing base 110 is disposed, caps 116 a, 118 a may be placed in fluid inlet 116 and suction port 118, respectively, such that housing base 110 may be transported without worry of fluid leakage or odor escaping from within cavity 111.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a housing base of alternate embodiment of a subatmospheric pressure mechanism is shown as housing base 10. Housing base 10 includes divider 12 for separating housing base 10 into a fluid receiving portion 10 a and an operational portion 10 b configured for receiving a control unit, including a vacuum source and power source (not shown). Divider 12 includes a fluid inlet port 13 a and a vacuum port 13 b. Divider 12 further includes a gasket 14 extending about an outer periphery of divider 12. Gasket 14 is configured to engage vacuum source (FIG. 2) in a sealed manner, thereby enabling a vacuum to be created within fluid receiving portion 10 a to draw fluid from wound dressing 102 (FIG. 1).

Turning now to FIG. 7, a housing base of an alternative embodiment of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism of the present disclosure is shown generally as housing base 210. Subatmospheric pressure mechanism 210 includes a divider 212 including a fluid inlet port 213 a and vacuum port 213 b. Divider 212 further includes a gasket 214 extending about fluid inlet port 213 a and vacuum port 213 b for engaging a vacuum source (FIG. 2) in a sealed manner. By localizing gasket 214 around fluid inlet port 213 a and vacuum port 213 b the likelihood of scaling issues, such as air and fluid leaks, is reduced. Gasket 214 may be formed of gel or other suitable sealing material. One preferred gel material is a silica gel.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-10, underside 212 a of divider 212 is configured to assist in fluid collection. Divider 212 includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves 214 extending the length thereof. Channel 216 extends the width of divider 212 in alignment with fluid inlet port 213 a and vacuum port 213 b. Channel 216 fluidly communicates each of the plurality of longitudinal grooves 214 with fluid inlet port 213 a and vacuum port 213 b. Divider 212 may be integrally formed with housing base 210, or as shown configured to be received within housing base 210. In this manner, divider 212 is sealed within housing base 210 using a hydrophobic adhesive or other suitable bonding material (not shown). Divider 212 may further include a hydrophobic membrane 218 at least partially covering longitudinal grooves and vacuum port 213 b. Hydrophobic membrane 216 provides a fluid barrier between the fluid collection chamber and the control mechanism. Longitudinal grooves 214 provide increased surface area for air flow through hydrophobic membrane 218. This may assist vacuum flow, e.g., in the event that a portion of the surface area becomes clogged and/or covered with exudate “E” or other fluid.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, which comprises: a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject; and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing, the canister including: a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluid inlet port and a vacuum port, the fluid inlet port being configured for fluid communication with a wound dressing, wherein at least one of the fluid inlet port and the vacuum port are configured to receive a cap; a cover selectively engageable to the base, the cover configured to receive a control unit and including a vent assembly for exhausting the control unit; and a seal member interposed relative to the base and the cover, the seal member adapted to establish a substantial sealed relation between the base and the cover.
 2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the control unit includes a vacuum source and a power source.
 3. The system according to claim 1 wherein including a hydrophobic membrane covering the vacuum port.
 4. The system according to claim 1 wherein the seal member comprises a gel.
 5. The system according to claim 1 wherein the vent assembly is recessed relative to the cover.
 6. The system according to claim 1 further including a divider having a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed on an underside thereof.
 7. The system according to claim 6 wherein the divider further includes a channel fluidly communicating the plurality of longitudinal grooves with at least one of the fluid inlet port and the vacuum port.
 8. The system according to claim 1 including a cap positionable within at least one of the fluid inlet port and the vacuum port. 